First 1,000 Days Framework

The First 1,000 Days

The first 1,000 days is the earliest stage of human development, from the time of conception through to a child’s second birthday.

This critical window of early childhood development has a profound and lasting effect on cognitive, social, and physical outcomes, shaping the foundation for a person’s lifelong health, wellbeing and potential.

If you are interested in learning more about the first 1,000 days, please see the following resources:

• First 1,000 Days: An Evidence Paper
  This research, conducted in 2017 by the Centre for Community Child Health at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne provides a comprehensive look into the importance and long-term impacts of this period. 

• Why children and their early years matter: Evidence Summary
  This comprehensive evidence summary supports the National Early Years Strategy 2024–2034., which the First 1000 Days Framework aligns with. This report draws on the literature, explaining the importance of the early years as part of child development and wellbeing.

• The First 1,000 Days: YouTube Video
Dr Tim Moore, senior research fellow at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne succinctly highlights the importance of the first 1,000 days and the benefits of investment in this critical period of a child’s life. 

The First 1,000 Days Framework

The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), on behalf of WA Health and in close collaboration with the WA Country Health Service and Health Networks, is leading the development of a whole of government First 1,000 Days Framework.

The development of a whole-of-government framework for the first 1,000 days also addresses the intent of Recommendation 8, of the WA Health Sustainable Health Review:

‘Health actively partners in a whole of government approach to supporting children and families in getting the best start to life to become physically and mentally healthy adults.’

The framework will be future focused, providing agreement and direction to guide policies, programs, services, and models of care for the first 1,000 days, supporting families, and ensuring every child receives the best start to life.

The framework will directly align to the National Early Years Strategy, the Australian Government’s vision that sets the direction and course for collective efforts to nurture young children for a bright future. The framework will provide a WA-specific strategic direction in reference to this strategy, with a focus on the First 1,000 Days.

In scope	Out of scope
The importance of the first 1,000 days Evidence of what works Consumer voices Guiding principles Priorities Current and future enablers	Implementation plans Funding and workforce planning Service mapping

Phase 1: complete	Minister for Health endorses proposed approach. Consultation with key organisations active in the first 1000 days. First 1000 Days Symposium brings together more than 90 government, non-government organisations and consumer groups to identify key priorities for action in the first 1000 days.
Phase 2: complete	Analysis of symposium discussions, synthesizing information with review of national and interjurisdictional strategies. Interagency and consumer advisory group established.
Phase 3: complete	Health advisory and project working groups established. Targeted consultation conducted with organisations and individuals involved in the first 1000 days. Review of aligning strategic initiatives in the first 1000 days
Phase 4: underway	Draft framework developed. Broad consultation conducted on draft framework Framework completed

Consultation

Consumer engagement

Consumer engagement will be embedded throughout the development of the First 1,000 Days Framework to ensure the document reflects the needs of Western Australian parents, families, and carers.

Consumers are involved in the development of the framework through:

• Participation at the First 1,000 Days Symposium.
• Establishment of a Consumer Advisory Group.
• Consultation within existing consumer and advocacy groups.
• Broad consumer consultation (under development).

Stakeholder engagement

Involving stakeholders in the development of the First 1,000 Days Framework fosters collaboration and support for the framework and its outcomes, and ensures the framework is reflective of a whole-of-government approach.

Stakeholders are involved in the development of the framework through many methods, including:

• The First 1,000 Days Symposium.
• Targeted consultation with government agencies, non-government organisations, advocacy and peer support groups, and individuals involved in the first 1000 days of life.
• Establishment of an Inter-agency Group with other government agencies.
• Establishment of a Health Advisory Group with representatives across WA Health.
• Participation in existing reference groups.
• Draft framework consultation processes, including workshops.

News and updates

Consultation workshops

Workshops in August and September 2024 sought to identify key priorities for the First 1,000 Days Framework. These were through online, face-to-face and hybrid opportunities with both the Government and non-Government sector.

Work is underway to analyse the information collected to identify the key priorities in WA.

First 1,000 Days symposium

A symposium was held on the 29 April 2024, marking the beginning of extensive stakeholder consultation for the framework.

Key representatives from government, non-government organisations, and consumer groups gathered along with esteemed speakers to offer diverse perspectives on the first 1,000 days.

The symposium facilitated discussion regarding priorities, success measures, and the importance of culture.

Keynote speakers:

• Valerie Jovanovic – CAHS Chief Executive
• A/Prof Helen Wright – Department of Health, Child and Youth Health Network Lead
• Dr Janet Hornbuckle – Department of Health, Women and Newborn Health Network Lead
• Professor Fiona Stanley AC, FAA, FASSA, FAHMS – Founding Director & Patron, Telethon Kids Institute
• Professor Rhonda Marriott AM, PhD., RN., Midwife, Fellow CATSINaM – Pro Vice Chancellor, Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
• Jacqueline McGowan-Jones – Commissioner for Children and Young People

Communiques